Yorba Linda - Golden State Water Company

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For information about your water quality or to find out about upcoming
opportunities to participate in public meetings, please contact our
24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-999-4033. Visit us online
at www.gswater.com or email us at [email protected].
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1920 W. Corporate
Way
Anaheim, CA 90801
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1
1/4/11
8:53 AM
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Pasadena, CA
PERMIT NO. 1132
Printed With
Green Ink
Providing Quality Drinking Water in
California Since 1929
Golden State Water Company (GSWC) is pleased to present this Annual Water Quality Report, which contains
important information about the quality of your drinking water for calendar year 2011.
Bringing you clean drinking water is serious business. We strictly follow the guidelines of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA), the California Department of Public Health, and the California Public Utilities Commission, sampling more than 230 regulated and unregulated elements in our water systems. GSWC’s industry
professionals regularly take samples to monitor quality at the water source and throughout the distribution
system. We spent more than $550,000 companywide last year on laboratory tests to ensure that we are meeting
regulatory standards and providing high-quality water.
If any drinking water standard is compromised, we are required to take immediate action, notify you quickly, and
restore normal service. Last year, the water we provided you met all USEPA and California drinking
water standards.
We pride ourselves on getting the job done right. For more than 80 years, we have successfully built relationships
with the industry’s best and our team of experts is equipped to provide customers with the most efficient and effective service possible. We are constantly improving our water production and delivery systems, and maintaining
wells, pumps and pipelines. Our philosophy is to invest in robust preventive maintenance programs so that our
water infrastructure can provide you with high-quality water, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
You, our customer, are our number one priority. Our around-the-clock Customer Service Center has representatives to answer your water questions and address your concerns day or night. Our website, www.gswater.com,
contains a wide range of topics that include water quality, conservation rebates and information about your local
customer service area, and water-use efficiency.
2012
With regard to water-use efficiency, conservation remains one of the best and least-cost ways to maintain a
reliable source of high-quality water now and for future generations.
On behalf of the men and women of Golden State Water Company who serve you, thank you for providing us
the opportunity to be your water provider. We invite you to call our 24-hour Customer Service Center with any
questions or feedback about this report at 1-800-999-4033.
Water Quality Report
Sincerely,
for year 2011
Yorba Linda Water System
Source Water Assessment
You may request a summary of the assessment be sent to
you by contacting:
The groundwater source is considered most vulnerable
to the following activities not associated with detected
contaminants: active and historic gas stations, confirmed
leaking underground storage tanks, dry cleaners, and
electrical/electronic manufacturing.
For more details contact:
CDPH Santa Ana District Office
605 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Room 325 Santa Ana, CA 92701 or
GSWC Anaheim Office
1920 W. Corporate Way
Anaheim, CA 90801
Robert Hanford
Orange County District Manager
Golden State Water Company
Cross Connection Control Program
GSWC conducted a source water assessment from 2002
through 2003 for the groundwater well serving the customers of its Yorba Linda System.
A copy of the assessment may be viewed at:
Robert Sprowls
President and Chief Executive Officer
Golden State Water Company
CDPH Santa Ana District Office at 1-714-558-4410
Bob Jordan at 1-800-999-4033
In December 2002, Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California (MWD) completed a source water assessment of
its Colorado River and State Water Project supplies.
Colorado River supplies are considered to be most vulnerable to the following: increasing urbanization in the
watershed, recreation, urban/stormwater runoff, and
wastewater.
State Water Project supplies are considered to be most
vulnerable to the following: agriculture, recreation, urban/
stormwater runoff, wastewater, and wildlife.
A copy of the assessment can be obtained by contacting
MWD by phone at 1-213-217-6850, option 3.
GSWC’s Cross Connection Control Program provides a
level of certainty that the water in the company’s distribution system is protected from possible backflow of contaminated water from commercial or industrial customers’
premises. For additional information, visit www.gswater.
com/water_quality.html.
About the Company
Golden State Water Company, a subsidiary of American States Water
Company (AWR), provides water service to approximately 1 out of every
36 Californians located within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in
Northern, Coastal and Southern California (approximately 256,000 customers). The Company also distributes electricity to more than 23,000
customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. AWR’s contracted
services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc., provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and
wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country.
Where Does My Water Come From?
Water delivered to customers in the Yorba Linda System is
a blend of groundwater pumped from the Orange County
Groundwater Basin, and imported water from the Colorado
River Aqueduct and the State Water Project (imported and distributed by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California).
The Orange County Groundwater Basin stretches 350 square
miles from the Orange County line at Seal Beach and Long
Beach, along the coast down to the El Toro “Y” and east to
Yorba Linda.
Risk to Tap and Bottled Water
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be
expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants. The
presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that
water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling
the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs,
and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or
through the layers in the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can
pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or
human activity.
To be certain that tap water is safe to drink, the USEPA and the
CDPH prescribe regulations limiting the amount of contaminants in water provided by public water systems. United States
Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and CDPH regulations
also provide the same public health protection by establishing
limits for contaminants in bottled water.
Contaminants in Drinking Water Sources May Include:
• Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which
may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems,
agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which
can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater
runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil
and gas production, mining, and farming
• Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of
sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and
residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and
volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also
come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and
septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or
be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities
For People with Sensitive Immune Systems
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised
people, such as those individuals with cancer undergoing
chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants,
those with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some
elderly populations, and infants, can be particularly at risk from
infections. These people should seek advice from their health
care providers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Centers for Disease
Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of
infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants
are available by calling the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
at 1-800-426-4791.
Laboratory Analyses
Through the years, we have taken thousands of water
samples to determine the presence of any radioactive,
biological, inorganic, volatile organic, or synthetic organic
contaminants in your drinking water. The table we provide
shows only detected contaminants in the water.
Even though all the substances listed here are under the
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important
that you know exactly what was detected and how much of
these substances were present in the water. Compliance
(unless otherwise noted) is based on the average level of
concentration below the MCL. The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because
the concentrations do not change frequently. Some of our
data, though representative, is more than a year old.
Chloramination — The water purchased by GSWC from
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD)
contains chloramine. Chloramine is added to the water
for public health protection. Chloraminated water is safe
for people and animals to drink, and for all other general
uses. Three special user groups, including kidney dialysis
patients, aquarium owners, and businesses or industries
that use water in their treatment process, must remove
chloramine from the water prior to use.
Hospitals or dialysis centers should be aware of chloramine in the water and should install proper chloramine
removal equipment, such as dual carbon adsorption units.
Aquarium owners can use readily available products to remove or neutralize chloramine. Businesses and industries
that use water in any manufacturing process or for food or
beverage preparation should contact their water treatment
equipment supplier regarding specific equipment needs.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding
chloramine in your water, please contact MWD at 1-213217-6850, option 3.
Fluoridation — Fluoride has been added to the water
that GSWC purchases from Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California (MWD). Customers should see no difference in the taste, color or odor of their water as a result
of fluoridation. Fluoridation does not change the way you
normally use water for fish, pets or cooking. Parents and
guardians of children who receive fluoride supplements
should consult the child’s doctor or dentist. For information
regarding fluoridation of your water, please contact MWD
at 1-213-217-6850, option 3 or visit the California Department of Public Health’s fluoridation website at www.cdph.
ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Pages/Fluoridation.aspx.
Aluminum, Iron, Manganese — The secondary MCL
for these constituents is set for aesthetic reasons and
there is no health concern associated with levels in this
water system.
Copper — Copper is an essential nutrient, but some
people who drink water containing copper in excess of the
Action Level over a relatively short amount of time may
experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who
drink water containing copper in excess of the Action Level
over many years may suffer liver or kidney damage. People
with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.
Lead — If present, elevated levels of lead can cause
serious health problems, especially for pregnant women
and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily
from materials and components associated with service
lines and home plumbing. GSWC is responsible for providing
high-quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety
of materials used in plumbing components. When your
water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize
the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30
seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or
cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you
may wish to have your water tested. Information about lead
in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take
to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking
Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or at http://www.epa.
gov/safewater/lead.
Nitrate — Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 45
mg/L is a health risk for infants of less than six months of
age. Such nitrate levels in drinking water can interfere with
the capacity of the infant’s blood to carry oxygen, resulting
in a serious illness; symptoms include shortness of breath
and blueness of the skin. Nitrate levels above 45 mg/L may
also affect the ability of the blood to carry oxygen in other
individuals, such as pregnant women and those with certain
specific enzyme deficiencies. If you are caring for an infant,
or you are pregnant, you should ask for advice from your
health care provider.
Turbidity — Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of
the water. It is monitored because it is a good indicator of
the effectiveness of surface water filtration.
Uranium — Some people who drink water containing
uranium in excess of the MCL over many years may have
kidney problems or an increased risk of getting cancer.
Measurements
Water is sampled and tested consistently throughout the
year to ensure the best possible quality. Contaminants are
measured in:
• Parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
• Parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per liter (μg/L)
• Parts per trillion (ppt) or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
• Grains per gallon (grains/gal) – A measurement of water
hardness often used for sizing household water softeners;
one grain per gallon is equal to 17.1 mg/L of hardness
• MicroSiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) – A measurement
of a solution’s ability to conduct electricity
• Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) – A measurement
of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is
noticeable to the average person
• PicoCuries per liter (pCi/L) – A measurement of
radioactivity in water
If this is difficult to imagine, think about these comparisons:
Parts per million:
1 drop in 14 gallons
1 second in 12 days
1 inch in 16 miles
Parts per billion:
1 drop in 14,000 gallons
1 second in 32 years
1 inch in 16,000 miles
Parts per trillion:
1 second in 32,000 years
1 inch in 16 million miles
10 drops in enough water to fill the Rose Bowl
Point…Click…Conserve!
Yorba Linda Water System - Source Water Quality
Primary Standards Health Based (units)
Primary
MCL
PHG
(MCLG)
Range of
Detection
Average
Level
MCL
Violation?
Most Recent
Sampling
Date
Highest single measurement of the treated surface
water (NTU)
TT = 1.0
n/a
n/a
0.08
No
2011
Soil runoff
Lowest percent of all monthly readings less than
0.3 NTU (%)
TT = 95
n/a
n/a
100%
No
2011
Soil runoff
Aluminum (mg/L)
1
0.6
ND - 0.24
0.06
No
2011
Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface water treatment
processes
Fluoride (mg/L)
2.0
1
ND - 1.0
0.6
No
2011
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive that promotes strong teeth;
discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Nitrate [as NO3] (mg/L)
45
45
ND - 31
5
No
2011
Runoff and leaching from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and
sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Typical Source of Constituent
Turbidity
Inorganic Constituents
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and programs
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For additional information, please contact our 24-hour
Customer Service Center at 1-800-999-4033 or email
us at [email protected]
Glossary of Terms
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in
drinking water. Primary MCLs are set as close to the public health goals and maximum contaminant level goals as
is economically and technologically feasible. Secondary
MCLs are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance
of drinking water.
California Notification Level (NL)
Non-regulatory, health-based advisory levels established
by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for
contaminants in drinking water for which an MCL has not
been established.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of contaminant in drinking water below which
there is no known or expected risk to health. Maximum
contaminant level goals are set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA).
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.
There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there
is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not
reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control
microbial contaminants.
Primary Drinking Water Standard (PDWS)
MCLs and MRDLs for contaminants that affect health along
with their monitoring and reporting requirements and water
treatment requirements.
Public Health Goal (PHG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which
there is no known or expected risk to health. Public health
goals are set by the California Environmental Protection
Agency (CalEPA).
Regulatory Action Level (AL)
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded,
triggers treatment or other requirements that a water
system must follow.
Treatment Technique (TT)
A required process intended to reduce the level of a
contaminant in drinking water.
Radioactive Constituents
Gross Alpha Activity (pCi/L)
15
(0)
ND - 11
ND
No
2011
Erosion of natural deposits
Gross Beta Activity (pCi/L)
50(a)
(0)
ND - 4
ND
No
2011
Decay of natural and manmade deposits
20
0.43
1 - 79
8
No
2011
Erosion of natural deposits
Secondary
MCL
PHG
(MCLG)
Range of
Detection
Average
Level
MCL
Violation?
Most Recent
Sampling
Date
200
n/a
ND - 240
60
No
2011
Erosion of natural deposits; residue from some surface water treatment
processes
Color (units)
15
n/a
ND - 4
ND
No
2011
Naturally occurring organic materials
Chloride (mg/L)
500
n/a
43 - 94
63
No
2011
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; seawater influence
Iron (ug/L)
300
n/a
ND - 800
ND
No
2011
Leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Manganese (ug/L)
50
n/a
ND - 77
ND
No
2011
Leaching from natural deposits
Uranium (pCi/L)
Secondary Standards Aesthetic (units)
Aluminum (ug/L)
Odor---Threshold (units)
Typical Source of Constituent
3
n/a
ND - 2
ND
No
2011
Naturally occurring organic materials
Specific Conductance (uS/cm)
1600
n/a
320 - 973
620
No
2011
Substances that form ions when in water; seawater influence
Sulfate (mg/L)
500
n/a
67 - 170
110
No
2011
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits; industrial wastes
Turbidity (units)
5
n/a
ND - 0.4
0.2
No
2011
Soil runoff
1000
n/a
274 - 800
420
No
2011
Runoff/leaching from natural deposits
Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L)
Notification
Level
PHG
(MCLG)
Range of
Detection
Average
Level
MCL
Violation?
Most Recent
Sampling
Date
Alkalinity (mg/L)
n/a
n/a
48 - 190
100
n/a
2011
Calcium (mg/L)
n/a
n/a
28 - 117
53
n/a
2011
Hardness [as CaCO3] (mg/L)
n/a
n/a
57 - 370
190
n/a
2011
Other Parameters (units)
Hardness [as CaCO3] (grains/gal)
n/a
n/a
3 - 22
11
n/a
2011
Magnesium (mg/L)
n/a
n/a
9 - 35
16
n/a
2011
pH (pH units)
n/a
n/a
7.0 - 8.6
7.2
n/a
2011
Potassium (mg/L)
n/a
n/a
3-4
3
n/a
2011
Sodium (mg/L)
n/a
n/a
47 - 77
57
n/a
2011
Typical Source of Constituent
The sum of polyvalent cations present in the water, generally magnesium
and calcium; the cations are usually naturally occurring
Refers to the salt present in the water and is generally naturally occurring
Yorba Linda Water System - Distribution Water Quality
Disinfection Byproducts
and Disinfectant
Residuals (units)
Chlorine [as Cl2] (mg/L)
Primary
MCL
(MRDL)
PHG
(MRDLG)
Range of
Detection
Highest
4-Quarterly
Average
MCL
Violation?
Most Recent
Sampling
Date
Typical Source of Constituent
(4.0)
(4)
0.2 - 2.8
1.7
No
2011
Drinking water disinfectant added for treatment
HAA5 [Total of Five Haloacetic Acids] (ug/L)
60
n/a
2 - 29
16
No
2011
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
TTHMs [Total of Four Trihalomethanes] (ug/L)
80
n/a
7 - 62
38
No
2011
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination
Action
Level
PHG
(MCLG)
Sample
Data
90th %
Level
Exceedance?
Most Recent
Sampling
Date
0.3
1 of the 20
samples
collected
exceeded the
Action Level.
0.65
No
2010
Inorganic Constituents
(units)
Copper (mg/L)
1.3
(a) CDPH considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.
ND = Not Detected
CaCO3 = Calcium Carbonate
Typical Source of Constituent
Internal corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural
deposits; leaching from wood preservatives